In a time when new slashers featuring dead teenagers and silent killers were opening weekly, Wes Craven steered the entire genre in a fresh, more intelligent direction with Elm Street. Craven introduced Freddy Krueger, a supernatural killer who was only able to claim his victims after they fell asleep. He gave Krueger finger-knives, and a personality. Robert Englund, whose name would become synonymous with his character, brings to life the greatest of horror villain icons.
Horror inside Fantasy as the film’s highlights take place inside the surrealistic dream world, where anything is possible, but the odds of escaping are slim. Less jokey than the rest of the franchise, Freddy is a chilling presence and never far behind. Craven’s secret sauce is empathy for his teenagers, especially resourceful Nancy (Heather Langenkamp). The nightmares are balanced with authentic scenes of teen life, often switching from one to the other without warning.
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